Panerrifix Celebrates Steel Pan Day and Keeps Belizean Music in Tune
Two Decades of Steel Pan in Belize
The sounds of steel pan filled the Open Your Eyes studio as Panerrifix Steel Band joined the morning show for a special performance in recognition of Steel Pan Day.
Founder and leader Julietta Burrowes, along with players Edlin Lorenzo and Leojon Pott, shared the band’s journey, its impact on Belize’s music scene, and details about its upcoming annual Panyaad concert.
Burrowes explained that Panerrifix began 21 years ago with a small group and only a few instruments. Since then, the band has grown significantly and established itself as one of Belize’s leading steel pan groups. Over the years, Panerrifix has performed at celebrations, birthdays, government ceremonies, and other events across the country.
Keeping the Next Generation Involved
For Panerrifix, growing the steel pan community means creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn the instrument.
The band hosts an annual summer camp that is open to the public, giving newcomers an opportunity to learn the basics of steel pan. Participants who show interest and ability may eventually become part of the band’s junior group before progressing into the senior band.
Burrowes also highlighted the band’s Miss & Catch group, which provides an accessible entry point for adults interested in learning steel pan without needing previous experience.
For players Edlin Lorenzo and Leojon Pott, the instrument has become more than a musical activity. Lorenzo has been part of Panerrifix for nearly 12 years, having started at the age of nine. He said the instrument and the community surrounding it have become an important part of his life, with fellow band members becoming like family.
Pott has played for almost 10 years after becoming interested in steel pan when he watched his brother participate in summer camp. Already learning violin with Burrowes, he eventually joined Panerrifix and continued developing his skills.
Panyaad Returns to Belmopan
Panerrifix is also preparing for its annual Panyaad, a concert the band works toward throughout the year.
This year’s event will take place on August 22 at Hilltop Court in Belmopan, featuring performances from three steel pan groups. Panerrifix will be joined by UB Steel and Pandemonium Steel Band from Belize City.
The event provides an opportunity for steel pan enthusiasts and newcomers alike to experience different bands coming together while celebrating the instrument’s place in Belize’s cultural and musical landscape.
Learning the Language of Steel Pan
During their appearance, Lorenzo and Pott also gave the Open Your Eyes hosts a hands-on introduction to steel pan, demonstrating how players use different notes and rhythms to create harmony.
They explained the role of the tenor pan, which primarily carries the melody, and the double second pan, while demonstrating simple chord combinations and rhythms.
The interactive lesson showed that playing in a steel band requires more than knowing individual notes. Each player must stay coordinated with the rest of the group, with different rhythms coming together to create a complete musical arrangement.
After two live performances and an introduction to the basics of playing steel pan, Panerrifix left viewers with a taste of what makes the instrument—and the community surrounding it—so special.
With its annual Panyaad approaching, the band continues to introduce new generations to steel pan while keeping the tradition alive through performance, education, and community.